Negron is ready to rumble!Oxford teen to fight in Golden Gloves championships

by CJ Carnacchio

April 10, 2013

The next Michigan Golden Gloves champion could be bobbing and weaving right here in Oxford.

His name is Antonio Negron and he’s training at Strike Fitness Club (275 S. Glaspie St.) for the 82nd anniversary Golden Gloves state championships set for April 26-27 at the Grand Valley National Guard Armory in Wyoming, Michigan.

“He’s one of those kids that you can see the fire in his eyes when he’s in that ring,” said Shane Blower, who co-owns Strike Fitness with Jamey Siterlet.

“I’ve always liked boxing,” said the 17-year-old Oxford Bridges junior. “I have a Puerto Rican family, so they like boxing a lot. I’ve always watched the fights and wanted to be a boxer.”

Negron, who’s father and uncle did a little boxing back in the day, won the state’s Eastern District title March 30 and now has an amateur record of 5-1. “He’s almost undefeated,” Blower said. “He lost a close decision in Bay City a few months ago.”

Negron must win two more matches during the state finals in order to secure the Golden Gloves championship in the novice division’s 152-pound weight class.

“I think his chances are really good,” Blower said. “His conditioning has improved quite a bit over the last few weeks. He’s dedicated himself to the roadwork.”

When asked how he thinks he’ll do in the state finals, Negron confidently replied, “I got this.”

“I’ve dedicated my whole life to this,” he said. “I gave up a lot of things to do this. A lot of free time and other stuff, I’ve dedicated to training.”

Negron, who’s 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 148 pounds, has been training with Strike Fitness for two years.

“He’s tall and thin,” Blower said. “A lot of the guys describe him like Tommy Hearns.”

Hearns, known as “The Hitman” back in his pro boxing days, was the first fighter in history to win four world titles in four divisions.

Blower indicated that one of Negron’s greatest strengths is his “elusiveness.”